There's nothing quite like the holiday season in Boston. From holiday markets and igloo dining to outdoor ice skating rinks and annual performances, the Greater Boston area truly is your Hub for experiencing the season's magic. Yet, if you ask us, one activity takes the cake (or should we say cookies) when it comes to immersing yourself in Boston's holiday experience - holiday lighting ceremonies!

In Boston, we don't just stop at tree lightings. From festively festooned landmarks to decked-out neighborhoods, you'll discover that we're pretty serious about our holiday lighting ceremonies. With so many lighting ceremonies happening this year, the only question now is what ones to attend. Here's our suggestion: All of them! 

Read on for our list of must-see lighting ceremonies in Boston for 2024.

 

 

  1. Columbus Park Trellis
  2. Faneuil Hall
  3. Martin's Park Annual Ship Lighting
  4. Boston's Official Christmas Tree
  5. Commonwealth Avenue Mall Lighting
  6. Light Up Seaport
  7. Grand Seaport Menorah Lighting

Columbus Park Trellis

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Where: Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park

When: Monday, November 25, 2024 at 5:00 PM

The illuminated Christopher Columbus Park trellis has been named one of the "Most Romantic Places in Boston." And for good reason! Don't miss out on being one of the first of 2024 to stroll through this shining pass-through after it dons its wintry blue lights.

 

Faneuil Hall

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Where: Faneuil Hall Marketplace

When: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM

The Christmas Tree at Faneuil Hall Marketplace and its accompanying tree lighting ceremony return for 2024! Featuring a 30-foot Norway Spruce, the tree will be adorned with lights, garland, ornaments, ribbons, and more in its new home between historic Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.

Santa RSVPd to this holiday lighting, so this is your chance to tell him what you want for Christmas!

 

Martin's Park Annual Ship Lighting

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Where: 64 Sleeper Street

When: Saturday, November 30, 2024 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM

Boston's newest holiday tradition is a must-visit if you have kids. Experience a special children's celebration featuring hot cocoa, caroling and holiday fun of all kinds as the wooden play ship at Martin's Park is illuminated with blue and white lights. Be on the lookout because we heard Santa and Betty The Yeti will be in attendance this year!

 

Boston's Official Christmas Tree

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Where: Boston Common

When: Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 6:00 PM 

Boston's official 2024 Christmas tree comes all the way from Nova Scotia! The city of Boston's Official Tree Lighting is celebrated on Boston Common. This year marks the 53rd time a tree has been donated and commemorates 106 years of friendship between Nova Scotia and the people of Boston. The lights are set to sparkle around 7:55 pm, followed by the lighting of nearly 80 other trees throughout the Boston Common and Public Garden. 

 

Commonwealth Avenue Mall Lighting

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Where: Commonwealth Avenue Mall and Charlesgate Park

When: Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 8:15 PM 

The Commonwealth Avenue Mall Lighting will immediately follow the Boston Common Tree Lighting. At 8:15 pm, the city will hit the switch and celebrate the lighting of trees up and down Commonwealth Avenue, extending all the way through to Charlesgate Park and Kenmore Square. Chances are, you'll want to make this picturesque stroll more than once this holiday season!

Light Up Seaport

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Where: Seaport Common

When: Friday, December 6, 2024 from 5:00 - 9:00 PM

Remember when we said we light up entire neighborhoods? This is what we meant! Make sure to join us as Seaport celebrates the holiday season with Light Up Seaport, featuring holiday tunes, a celeb appearance by Betty the Yeti, and more. Don't forget to stop by Snowport holiday market before the tree lighting!

 

Grand Seaport Menorah Lighting

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Where: One Seaport

When:  Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 4:30 - 5:30 PM 

Join the Chabad of Downtown Boston to celebrate the Festival of Lights as they light up a 9-foot-tall Menorah. Get ready for a night of live music, Chanukah treats, and fun for the entire family.